Costa partners Coles, Opal  to launch cardboard tomato punnet trial in Victorian stores

AUSTRALIA – Costa Group, a leading Australian fresh produce supplier, has joined forces with retailer Coles and packaging firm Opal to introduce recyclable cardboard punnets for Perino tomatoes. 

The trial replaces traditional rPET plastic containers and rolls out across Coles’ stores in Victoria, marking a practical shift in produce packaging.

The new punnets, crafted from recycled paper by Opal, aim to cut plastic use in the supply chain. 

This effort ties into Costa’s broader strategy to update packaging materials, while helping Coles advance its goals for reusable and recyclable systems. 

It also contributes to Australia’s national standards set by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), which target a drop in virgin plastic by 2025 and full recyclability by 2025.

Manpreet Sidhu, Costa’s chief operating officer for domestic produce, described the project as a key advancement. 

He noted that the company takes concrete steps to fulfill APCO requirements, driven by shoppers seeking greener options for everyday items like tomatoes.

Coles highlighted the trial’s focus on maintaining product standards amid the packaging change.

Brooke Donnelly, the retailer’s general manager for sustainability, explained that Perino tomatoes remain a top seller, and the switch ensures they reach shelves in peak condition without added waste. 

She added that customer input shaped the decision, as many prioritize lower plastic in grocery buys.

Opal contributed its design skills to create a lightweight cardboard option that withstands transport while preserving freshness. 

David Pointer, Opal’s general manager for corporate business, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. 

He pointed out that the punnet’s structure supports the entire journey from farm to store, offering a direct alternative to plastic that fits fresh goods handling.

The initiative will gather data over the coming months on how the cardboard holds up against damage, keeps tomatoes fresh, and gains traction with buyers. 

Supply chain teams will track integration challenges, such as stacking and labeling. Early signs show smooth adoption in Victoria, with potential expansion if results prove strong.

In August 2024, Unilever completed a European rollout of cardboard ice cream tubs, slashing plastic by 30% across 1.5 million units annually and saving about US$2.5 million in material costs. 

The company reported no drop in shelf life, crediting enhanced barrier coatings.

Closer to home, Nestlé Australia tested molded fiber egg cartons in July 2025, replacing polystyrene with recycled pulp in select markets. 

The move cut fossil-based plastics by 40% per pack, with initial feedback from grocers indicating easier recycling streams. 

These examples show how produce and dairy sectors increasingly adopt cardboard for its lower environmental footprint.

If the Perino trial succeeds, Costa plans wider use of the punnets for other tomato lines, potentially influencing similar changes in berries and soft fruits. 

The partners expect the data to guide scalable designs that meet both regulatory deadlines and market demands by mid-2026.

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